MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has expressed concern over the limited budget allocated for learners with special needs. During its oversight visit last Friday at Sibonile School for the Blind and Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf, the committee noted that the most pressing issue facing both schools is budget constraints.

The committee heard that the schools are struggling due to insufficient funding, which impacts the provision of quality education. At Sibonile School for the Blind, management highlighted a critical need for more specialised staff, including occupational and speech therapists. Sibonile serves 167 learners with only one occupational therapist and one speech therapist. This is inadequate for the diverse needs of students, including those with visual impairments, autism spectrum disorders and severe disabilities. The principal emphasised the urgent need for caregivers to support high-needs learners, as the current staffing structure under the Department of Basic Education lacks provisions for such positions.

The committee called on the departments of basic education, health and social development to collaborate urgently to address these issues. They noted that the lack of inter-departmental cooperation exacerbates the challenges faced by these schools, particularly on funding, where the National Treasury must also be involved in discussions. The principals of the schools told the committee they need more budget to support their learners and improve infrastructure. They pointed out that the educational environment for these children is far from normal, and systemic changes are needed to ensure their needs are met.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said the committee is committed to advocating for children and persons with disabilities. During her opening remarks at Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf, Ms van der Merwe stressed the urgent need to address the systemic barriers that exclude individuals with disabilities from educational and economic opportunities.

The Chairperson also noted the findings from earlier reports by the South African Human Rights Commission, which showed significant gaps in resources and support for these schools.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has welcomed the release of the report by the Stabilisation and Governance Support Team into serious governance failures at the College of Cape Town.

The Minister of Higher Education, Mr Buti Manamela, appointed the support team to investigate governance and management challenges after the college appeared before the portfolio committee in October and November 2025. Mr Letsie said the report confirms what the committee had already identified: systemic governance failure at the college.

“We welcome the recommendation that the Council of the College of Cape Town must be dissolved and replaced with an administration,” said Mr Letsie. “However, we are disappointed that the report does not clearly recommend the termination of the Principal’s employment. The Principal promoted individuals close to him without any legal basis or transparent process.”

Mr Letsie said the report reveals deeply troubling conduct by both the Council and management. “It is extremely worrying that the Council chose to extend a security contract after a court had already declared it invalid. That decision shows a complete disregard for the law and proper governance.”

He further raised concern about the appointment of the Principal’s personal assistant as Council Secretary without any formal process. “This was a clear weakening of Council independence and amounts to the capture of Council processes.”

The Chairperson stressed that accountability must follow. “Those who were promoted irregularly and benefited financially from unlawful decisions must repay the money they received.”

He called on the incoming administration to act decisively. “The administration to be appointed must immediately commission a forensic investigation to determine the full extent of financial losses caused by the actions of the Principal and Council, including legal costs. Those responsible must be held personally liable and must pay back the money.”

Lastly, Mr Letsie said, “If the Council and Principal choose to contest or challenge this report and its recommendations in court, they must never be allowed to use state funds. They can do so with their own funds from their own pockets”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, today held high-level talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking a major milestone in President Herminie’s ongoing State Visit to India.

At the conclusion of wide-ranging and productive discussions, Prime Minister Modi announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million to support the development priorities of Seychelles. The package comprises USD 125 million in rupee-denominated Lines of Credit and USD 50 million in grant assistance, and will focus on priority sectors including public housing, mobility, infrastructure development, capacity building, and maritime security.

The State Visit also yielded the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Seychelles and India across strategic areas such as health, environment, culture, digital technology, capacity building, and trade, further expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi additionally announced a series of significant measures aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ development and security capabilities, including:

• Adoption of the India–Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)
• Refit of PS Zoroaster for the Seychelles Coast Guard by the Government of India on a gratis basis
• Gifting of 10 ambulances to enhance emergency medical services
• Provision of 1,000 metric tonnes of grains and lentils under the Special Economic Package
• Gifting of 10 utility vehicles and five Laser Radial–class boats, with spares, to the Seychelles Defence Force
• Establishment of a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian assistance.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two leaders discussed new avenues to further strengthen Seychelles–India relations, including joint naval exercises, enhanced disaster relief cooperation, and youth-focused initiatives. Prime Minister Modi also proposed promoting cricket, India’s national sport, in Seychelles through training and capacity-building programmes.

President Herminie extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend Seychelles’ 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations as Guest of Honour, an occasion that will also mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and India.

The six-day State Visit, taking place shortly after President Herminie’s first 100 days in office, sends a strong signal of the shared resolve of both nations to deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.

Congratulating President Herminie on his victory in the October 2025 elections, Prime Minister Modi described him as a “people’s President” and expressed confidence that his leadership would usher in a new and dynamic chapter in Seychelles–India relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, February 11, 2026 as “Armed Forces Day,” and to be celebrated throughout the Republic as a national holiday. 

The Proclamation further directs all military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs including parades and other ceremonies in recognition of the Day.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year marks the 69th anniversary of the Armed Forces Day and will be celebrated at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) at 8 o’ clock under the theme: “SECURING LIBERIA TOGETHER: STRENGTHENING INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION AGAINST DRUG TRAFFCKING AND EMERGING SECURITY THREATS.”

According to the proclamation, special attention and honor will be given to the veterans of the AFL and the Coast Guard, who have seen active and experienced actual service therein and have upheld the tenets of democracy and human rights during services. 

The release further orders all government offices, public and business houses to be closed on that day. The proclamation is in consonance with an Act of National Legislation of the Republic of Liberia, declaring the 11th day of February of each year as Armed Forces Day to be observed as a national holiday.

The proclamation stresses that the Armed Forces Day celebration is also in recognition of the role the Armed Forces of Liberia plays in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and participating in the structural and social transformation of the country.

“With the passage of the New National Defense Act of 2008, the Liberia Coast Guard has been established to effectively carry out its constitutional duties and responsibilities in safeguarding Liberia’s territorial waters and marine resources,” the Presidential proclamation declares.

The proclamation stressed that the Government of Liberia found it necessary to recognize the talents, services, patriotism, loyalty and gallantry for the upkeep of this Noble Heritage by those men and women who are now memorialized through the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as ordered by the Act of the National Legislature of Liberia of 22nd July 2008. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Source: APO

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This morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi consulted with Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, regarding a cabinet reshuffle of the current government.

President El-Sisi emphasized that the government, in its new composition, must work toward achieving several specific objectives across key areas, including national security and foreign policy; economic development; production; energy; food security, and social and human capital development. This is, in addition to new mandates that align with the purpose of this ministerial reshuffle.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

Emirates (www.TheEmiratesGroup.com) is batting strong, featuring Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav in its latest advertising campaign to debut ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 

For almost three decades, Emirates has maintained one of the most consistent presences in world cricket. The airline has embedded itself into the fabric of the game through major ICC tournaments across more than ten cricket-loving nations, the kits of umpires and referees, in addition to being part of the moments that defined the collective thrill that united fans everywhere.

Yadav made his mark on present-day cricket with a fearless, unconventional batting style and impressive consistency, qualities that have earned him the ICC’s number one T20 ranking. A key contributor to India’s victories at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 Asia Cup, the India T20I team captain established himself as one of the most respected players in the game today. 

As an ode to the game of cricket, which Emirates has proudly supported for more than 25 years, the latest ad campaign features the modern-era cricket legend delivering his distinctive batting style during a match to a stadium filled with thousands of fans. The global ad campaign signifies the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament, to audiences in cricket-loving nations and across the world, united in their passion for the sport. 

Cricket continues to unite South Africans and fans across other African countries as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, with communities coming together to celebrate the spirit of the game. From lively watch parties to everyday conversations, the region’s deep-rooted love for cricket reflects both its passion for the sport and its growing presence on the global stage.

Passengers travelling from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other African gateways on Emirates flights during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup can enjoy live match coverage on Emirates’ ice entertainment system via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra.

On being featured in Emirates’ new ad campaign, Suryakumar Yadav said: “Cricket at the highest level is about preparation, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure. Emirates represents those same values in everything it does. As someone who travels extensively for the game, having consistency and comfort with world-class experiences makes a real difference. It’s exciting to be associated with the brand in this campaign that has such a deep-rooted and authentic connection with cricket and its fans around the world.”

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand said: “There’s a reason Suryakumar Yadav has captured the imagination of cricket fans everywhere. His game speaks for itself, and his appeal reaches far beyond boundaries. Through this latest ad campaign, we aim to connect with fans and share in our passion for the sport.  Cricket remains one of our most enduring sporting partnerships, and we’ve stood alongside the sport and supported its growth, and we’ll continue to invest in its future.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

About Emirates and Cricket:
Emirates has a long-standing association with the ICC and all its major events including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the ICC World Test Championship. The ICC partnership also sees Emirates featured on the official kit of the ICC Elite and International Panels of Umpires, having been the main sponsor of the Emirates Elite and International Panels of ICC Umpires since 2002, when the panels were formed to officiate Test Matches and One Day Internationals around the world. Alongside the Umpires, Emirates sponsors the Elite and International Panels of ICC Match Referees. Together with branding and media exposure to cricket fans around the world, Emirates also transports umpires and referees to international events as the Global Partner of the ICC.

Learn more about Emirates expansive sponsorship portfolio here (https://apo-opa.co/3OwH2CY).